Process for the conversion of hydrocarbon oils



Vl I.. EMERSON.,

PROCESS FoR THE CONVERSION 0F HYDROCARRON ons.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 6. |920. 1,367,897. Patented Feb. 8, 1921.

5 SHEEISTSHILET l NVENTOR ZicorljeeE/znwfsmu ATTO R N EY V. L.- EMERSON.

PROCESS FOR THE CONVERSION 0F HYDROCARBON OILS.

APPLICAIION FILED MAY 6. i920.

1,367,807. l Patented Feb. 8,1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

INVEN TO R Zo'oeelhnwsow.

ATTORNEY l V. L. EMERSON.

PROCESS FORVTHE CONVERSION 0F HYDROCARBON OILS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 6, 1920.

Patented Feb. 8, 1921.

a sHETs-sHLe13- V. L. EMERSON.

PROCESS FOR THE CONVERSION OF HYDROCARBON OILS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 6'. 1920.

Patented Feb.8,1921'.

5 SHEETS-SHLE 4.

{lllsuxcll V. L. EMERSON.

PROCESS FOR `THE CONVERSION 0F HYDROCARBON OILS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 6, 1920.

" Patented Feb. 8, 1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

INVENTOR.

A TTORNE Y.

UNITED vSTATES.

PATENT o'FFicE.

vro'ron LEE EMERSON, or EHIjLAnELPHm. PENNSYLVANIA.

rnocEfss roE'riE ooNvERsroN ormnocAnBoN ons.

Speeificatien of Letters Patent.

Patent-ed Feb. 8, 1921.

' Appnehtig'n mea may e, le20. serial No. 379,358.

'chemical combinations into newv A-atomic groups, it relates more speciiicallyto a prp'cess for the conversion of heavy hydrocarbon. oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils. Thisapplication is a continuation in art of my application Serial No. 335,563, 1919. It is an objectof my invention to eliminate the impurities in the oil, such as sulfur and' water and similar foreign'compounds to prevent them from forming objectionable vcombinations in the still, such as carbon bisulid, and to prevent the elements of oxygen and hydrogen contained in any water present in the oil from forming explosive compounds by -uniting with the carbonace'ous vapors orvgaseous products in theI still. Heretoiore oil stills have usually been fed directly'w'iththe oil without previously treating the so that the impurites or foreign mattei` referred to are removed, which often results inthe' destiuction'ot the still or serious interference Vwith the operation of the process. Violent explosions have taken place where there was apparently little pressure on the still. These are apparently due to the result of a quantity ot. water or moisture being fed to the still while it is at a high temperature. Sulfur also accompanies the oil in many cases. The oxygen of the water, combining with the carbonaceous gases, t'orms chemical combinations in which combustion takes place, rapidly supported bv ihe hydrogen contained in the water and the sulfur-ous gases present, resulting iii violent explosions.

With the present method, these dangers are entirely avoided as the contained water and sul i'ur compounds and other impurities -are removed prior to the introduction of the oil into the still. It is an object of the present invention to provide for the removal oi" impurities or foreign compounds from the oil prior to the admission of the same into the still.

It is a further object of the present inled Nov. 3,

vention to utilize the heat in the :gaseous products coming from the still to preheat the' 'il before it is pumped into the still. This results in the evaporation of anywater held in suspension and removes any sulfurous compounds that might enter into combination with either the oil, water or gaseous products. Atthe same time', a portion of the heavierproducts coming over in gaseous form from the still, are condensed by contact with a body of oil which is at a lowertemperature and conversely the readily vaporizable material in the body yof oil is transformed into vapor by the heat transmitted to the same from the gaseous products brought in contact therewith.

It is likewise an object of my invention to subject the heavier oil to the action of impact and the heatv of the .seous 'products from the still, and to comine vthe same with such products from the still as are condensed on contact with the body of oil at a lower temperature. The preheated and pretreated oil and condensates are injected into the material contained in the still and are subjected to a cracking reaction by reason of the higher temperature of the material into which they are injected.

It is obvious that the material into which they are injected is at a higher temperature than the material injected. This is due to the fact that the material in the still has been robbed of the lower boiling oils by distillation.

In carrying out my process, the hydrocarbons` having a relatively vlow boiling point, are subjected tothe heat of the residual hydrocarbons undergoing treatment under high pressure and temperature which have a high boiling point. The ysupply of low boiling hydrocarbons to the high boiling hydrocarbons in the still not only utilizes the temperature and heat of the high boiling hydrocarbons to cause a cracking rcaction of the lower boiling hydrocarbons,

but the low boiling hydrocarbons, when iii-- termixed with the high boiling hydrocarbons, act to maintain the entire mixture in such a state as to avoid the forma ion of hard carbon and free gas by excessive cracking due to the extreme temperatures laccompanying a reduction of the distillate to a. high boiling point. This action is present to a large extent in the ordinary processes.

It is a still further object of my invention to utilize the pressure and heat of the gases as they come from the'still to give a high velocity to the gaseous products from the stillv sufficient to cause molecular dissociation on concussive impact'either ot`f the gaseous products themselves or in combination with the oil. The molecular dissocia- .tion produces a condition inducive to the upon thescientific accuracy of the theoriesA advanced. The theories are given by way of explanation of the 'phenomena occurring in my process. While not limiting myself to any one`- theory or hypothesis, it would appear that the high velocity of the expanded gaseous products from the still, and fluid intermixed therewith, give rise to a molecular attrition of'extreme violence at the point of impact. A large amount of heat is also liberated at the point of impact. The attrition caused by impact aids at this point to reduce the masses to very fine particles which renders them particularly susceptible to chemical dissociation due to the action of the various phenomena attendant upon impact. One of the phenomena attendant `upon impact, which I believe aids in the chemical dissociation, isthat of ionization. The friction attendant upon attrition at the point of impact sets up an electrical effect which causes the ionization. The heat liberated at the point of impact has its well known function of aiding the chemical action and is thereafter utilized to preheat the oil in the cycle of operation. The cracking decomposition of organic compounds by heat is explained on the basis of the occurrence of inter-molecular collisions of such violence that the bonds holding together the various atoms or groups are 'ruptured. The degree of cracking varies as the temperature to which the substance is heated. The shock of concussive impact also sets up violent molecular vibrations which cause inter-molecular collisions similar to the action of heat, which cause dissociation at the point of impact. All these phenomena are attendant upon impact and are inducive to the chemicalv dissociation herein set forth. It is sufficient to say that, due to such effects as these, a molecular rearrangement is produced and new atomic groups are formed and a very large proportion of the lighter and `simple hydrocarbons result from this reaction.

The preheating of the hydrocarbon mass causes the hydrocarbons to approach the point of impact in a heated state and consequent vreadiness to be cracked by the action of impact and its attendant phenomena.

In obtaining this dissociation by impact and -its attendant phenomena, there is an absence of the surrounding pressure which would otherwisebe essential were it to be carried out in a confined chamber under heat.

It will be apparent that the gaseous products and liquid hydrocarbons are rapidly subjected to temperature changes. The gaseous products, on reaching the jets, have been cooled by expansion, thereafter they are heated by impact and are again cooled by being brought in contact with the liquids which are maintained at a lower temperature than the gaseous products. lThe liquids are raised in temperature by intermixture with the gaseous products from the still and undergo temperature changes along with these gaseous products. The constant rapid change of temperature aids the dissociation of the hydrocarbon molecules by subjecting them to repeated and sudden changes in stress due to temperature changes, which tend to' overcome their chemical inertia. Thus, the molecular dissociation of the high boiling heavy hydrocarbon oils is accomplished in' a manner which avoids a temperature productive of a pressure which would be destructive to the containing vessel in the ordinary processes. v

The term attrition is used in the description of the reaction taking place onjui-A pact, but it should be understood that this term not only covers almechanical attrition but a molecular and atomic attrition as well in the present instance.

Other objects and advantages of the in vention will appear hereinafter.

In orderl to render my present invention clear, reference is had to the accompanying drawings in whichf- Figure 1 is a vertical section of one form` of apparatus adapted for carrying out the conversion of hydrocarbon oils;

Fig. 2 is a view partly in section of the jet f apparatus which'I employ in my process;

Fig. 3 is avertical sec-tion of the rear header of the still shown in Fig. 1, illustrating in particular the liquid impelling ap aratus; y

ig. 4 is a vertical section of a modified form of apparatus;

Fig. 5 is a Vertical section of a of the apparatus shown in Fig. 4.-

In the apparatus disclosed in Fig. 1, I employ a still shown at 1. While it is within the scope of my invention to employ various types of stills, I prefer to use the type which is herein shown, being. the type of still shown in my Patent No. 1,337,831, granted April 20, 1920, with certain modifications as portion mercial apparatus.

will hereinafter appear. While my process is capable of being carried out through a wide range of temperatures and pressures, and the details of the apparatus are capable of variation within the scope of my invention which is not limited to the particular temperatures, pressures or details mentioned or disclosed, the following is an example of the execution of my process in a particular instance. IVhile my process is adapted to the conversion of hydrocarbon oils broadly, I find that satisfactory results, when operating on fuel oil,`wi ll be obtained by the use of a pressure in the still of-75 to 100 pounds per square inch with an accompanying temperature of seven hundred to eight hundred degrees Fahrenheit. With this temperature and pressure, a cracking reaction will take place with the attendant formation of gase; ous products.

In order to impart v.the kinetic energy to the impacting masses necessary to the carrying out of my process, I find that satisfactory results will be obtained bythe use of a high velocity jet apparatus, such as shown in Fig. 2. The jet apparatus shown in Fig. 2 on the drawing filed'herewith, is one-third actual size' of thatem loyed by' me in a comith this-jet apparatus and the pressures and temperatures herein set forth the velocity attained will be of a very high order and by test has been shown to be approXimat'ely287OAA feet per second. The gaseous products under pressure are passed from the still 1 by means of a pipe 2 to the jet apparatus illustrated at 3. The iiow of gaseous products to the jet apparatus is controlled by a valve 4 in the .pipe 2. In lthe jet apparatus 3 the gaseous products are subjected to expansion at the points 5. These jets as stated are so designed asto produce fa' high velocity of the gaseous productson expansion. The gaseous products are caused to mutually impinge uponone another in the reaction chamber 6. From the reaction chamber 6, a pipe 7 leads into the receptacle 8 and is provided at its end with a perforated head 9. The receptacle 8 contains a hydrocarbon oil whose level is indicated on a sight gage 10. A pipe 11 leads from the .lower portion of the. receptacle' 8 to the lower portion of the jet apparatus and is4 adapted .tb conduct the liquid in the receptacle 8 to the jets, as shown at, 12 in the manner indicated by arrows on Fig. 2. In the pipe 11 is placed a valve 13, provided with an indicating pointer and dial for the purpose of regulating the iiow of liquid from the receptacle 8 to the jets.A The jets are formed as shown in Fig. 2 in such a manner that the liquid from the receptacle 8 is intermixed with the energized gaseous products from the still after they have been givenahigh velocity by expansion. The jets as shown comprise two members 14 and 15.

desired, I may cause the energized masses to impact against a stationary member. While in lthepresent instance I have disclosed a 'T means for procuring the desired impact by an apparatus which utilizes the energy ot' heat expansively in a high velocity jet apparatus as one way of producing the desired impact, Such other means may take the form of-any apparatus Acapable of imparting the required velocity necessary to thev desired impact. y a

lVhile the process can be carried out by the impact of the gaseous products alone, it is found desirable to introduce the liquid from the receptacle 8 into the reaction as described. The liquid particles aid in increasing the action of impact by mutual impact with the gaseous .products and are subject -f to'dissociation themselves, due to the action of impact. The friction caused by the attrition of the mutually impacting masses is inducive to the formation of static electricity with its consequent ionizing effect.v

During the cracking distillation occurring in the 'still 1, a portion of the gaseous products are cracked, while other portions remain uncracked. These gaseous products are subjected to the action of impact` by means of the jet apparatus 3,- with thc result that the gaseous products are subjected to dissociation on impact and the uncracked gaseous products from the still likewise undergo dissociation. In this manner, the gaseous products from the still and the liquid from the receptacle 8, are subjected toy dissociation which results in new atomic groups and a productof lighter gravity and lower boiling point.

The products of distillation whichy come over from the still include true gases, such as hydrogen, vapors, saturated vapors and gases, and particles of the material undergoing distillation which remain in lthe liquid form and are held in suspension by the gaseous products'. 4I use the'term t gaseous products to cover all. the material coming over from the still as described.

- Inthe relimi'nary steps o operation, the valve 1311i the pipe 11 is`so regulated that a lar quantity of liquid is admitted tofthe cham er: in vcommunication with the jets.

Aftenthe :liquid in the receptacle 8 is heated to the desired point, the quantitypof liquid llO admitted to the jets is so reduced by means of the valve 13 that the velocity of the jets, which is retarded by the large quantity admitted as described, is increased to a point sufficient to create the desired reaction 1n t-lie chamber 6. The liquid partakes of the velocity of the jets, and being mixed with the energized gaseous products, is subjected to mutual impact with them. The gaseous products of impact pass from the perforated head 9 through the fluid in the receptacle 8 as indicated in the form of bubbles in the drawing. Those portions of the gaseous products ot impact which are condensable at tl`e temperature at which the liquid in the receptacle 8 is maintained, are condensed. Those gaseous products of impact which are not condensed, pass upwardly through a series of condensers and traps hereinafter described.

A primary condenser is illustrated at 16, a secondary condenser at 17 and final condenser at 18. In the particular embodiment of my invention shown, I employ three condensers as'described, but it is to be understood that it is within the scope of my invention to vary the number of condensers according to the result desired. The final condenser 18 is supplied with water as a temperature-maintaining medium by the pipe 19 controlled by the valve 20. The water, after having passed upwardly through the condenser, is conducted by the pipe 21 to the base of the condenser 17. The tlow of water in the pipe 21 is con trolled by the valve 22. A by-pass for the water is provided by the pipe 23 in which is placed a valve 24. It is desirable in this embodiment of my invention to keep the temperature of the condenser 17 at or about the boiling point of water. The steam formed in the condenser 17 is conducted by the pipe 25 to the base of the condenser 16,

' and maintains the temperature of the con- 1to the condensers by pipes 27 and 28.

denser 16 at the desired point. A valve 26 .is placed in the pipe 25. It will thus bethe condensers are maintained are regulated so that they correspond to the condensing temperature of the product which it is desired to condense.

For the purpose of obtaining the desired temperature ofthe condensers during the preliminarv stage of operation, steam is Tfd e pipes 27 and 28 are provided with valves as shown. The waste steam is led away through the pipe 29. Beneaththe primary condenser 16 is shown a series of traps, indicated by the numerals 30, 31 and 32. The traps 31 and 32 are connected by stand pipes The traps 30 and 31 are connected by stand pipes 34. The trap 30 is connected `.vith the receptacle Aby a pipe 35 which eX- tends downwardly into tlieliquid in the receptacle 8. A partition 36 is placed in the receptacle 8 which divides oit a portion of the liquid therein and forms a chamber 37, as shown. The pipe 35 extends into the chamber 37. The partition 36 is provided with apertures 38 for the purpose of equalizing the liquid level in the receptacle 8. Be-

tween the primary condenser 16 and the .seg-. y

ondary condenser 17 are placed the traps 39 and 40. The trap 39 is connected with the trap 40 by stand pipes 41.\ A pipe 42 connects the trap 40 with the receptacle 8. A valve 43 is placed in the pipe 42 so as to control the Huid passin into the chamber 37 of the receptacle 8. pipe 44 `is connected to the pipe 42. A valve is placed in the pipe 44. The pipe 44 leads to a storage or run-down tank, not shown. The trap 39 is connected to the trap. 32 by a pipe 45. A valve 46 is placed in the pipe 45. A pipe 47 connects the upper trap 32 with the chamber 37 of the receptacle 38. A valve 4.8 is placed in the pipe 47. A supply of fresh oil is conducted into the chamber 37 of the receptacle 8 by a pipe 49. It is desirable to place a check valve in the pipe 49, as shown. The condensers 17 and 18 are connected by a pipe 50. The final condenser 18 is provided with a chamber 51' at its base in which is placed a plate 52 acting to guide the condensates through an aperture therein to the lower part of the chamber 51. A trap 53 is provided With a valvecontrolled outlet 54 and a level gage 55'. From the upper portion of the trap 53. a pipe 56 leads to a storage or run-down tank, not shown. The gage 55 indicates the level of water or other liquid impurities which collect in the trap 53. From the chamber 51 a gas conducting pipe 57 leads .to a condensing apparatus 58. The condensingr apparatus 5 8 is provided with a valve-controlled outlet 59. From the chamber 37 of the receptacle 8, a pipe 60 leads to a pump 61. In the present instance the pump is illustrated as steam driven, but it is obvious that it maybe driven by any suitable power. The pump 61 discharges through a pipe 62 into the rear header of the still 1, as shown at 63. In order to use the incoming Huid to cause a circulation in the still 1, I have provided a jet apparatus indicated by the numeral 64. This jet apparatus is composed of a spreader pipe 65. which is provided with a series of nozzles 66. The

nozzles 66 project downwardly between the partitions of the rear header and serve to impel the liquid undergoing distillation by the force of the incoming jets. This causes a rapid circulation of the Huid in the still. As will be seen, theuid passing through the jets is injected into the fluid under distillation sopas to cause a uniform circulation.

The type of still which I have shown is provided with an oil-burning furnace indicated at 67. I find it desirable to direct the flameof the burnerldownwardly, as shown, so that the heat therefrom will be conducted to the tubes by radiation, rather than by direct contact therewith. T'ind this assists in avoiding over-cracking of the oil due to excessive localized heat and results in a more even distribution of the heat. A partition 68 is so placed that the gases of combustion are caused to pass from the upper end of the tubes along their length, and thence downwardly through the` pit 69', from whence they escape through the stack 70. The partition 68 is so constructed as to form a passage 71 at the bottom thereof. This passage is normally obstructed by a brick or bricks indicated at 72. If it should happen that; from any cause the tubes or other portion of the still should be so destroyed as to allow f-l an escape of the oil therein, the oil would push the brick or bricks 72 out of the passage 71, and the oil would fill the pit 69, thus forming a liquid seal in such a manner as to cut off the draft. This cii'ectuallv sties the coniiagration which would follow if the draft were not shut off.

In the base of the stack is placed a `weighted Valve 73 which is held in open position by a plug 74, of such material as will be affected by excessive heat to destroy the function thereof. T find that a plug of wood in this position satisfactorily performs the desired function. although other temperature-responsive material might be used. Tf the temperature of the gases of combustion passing through the stack becomes so great as to destroy the plug, the weight on the valve will cause the valve to close off the draft. thereby reducing the temperature of the still below the danger point.'

When operating with viscous material. it is desirable to use a mechanical propelling device, such as a propeller which I have shown at in combination with the iets 66. When this is done. the pipe connections to the jet apparatus 64 will beso formed as to permit of the proper location of the driving. means for the propeller. Itmay be found desirable to use either'the propeller or thei jets alone in certain instances. -A safety valve 7 6 is located in the pipe line'2 to relieve lthis heat transference. the A fresh oil inL the,A any dangerous pressure in the still. A drain;

pipe, shown at 77, permits the removal off"4 the residues which coilect in the drum or trap 78. A fuel burner, located at 79, is so designed as to direct the flame downwardly in the furnace' 67, as shown.

The operation of the above described einbodiment of my invention, is as follows:

Tn the preliminary stages of operation, the oil to be treated is admitted through the pipe 49 until it fills the rece tacle 8 and the still 1 to the desired level. uring this operation the pump 61 may be used to force the oil into the still through the pipe 62 and jet apparatus 64. At this time the oil in the receptacle 8 will equalize its level through the apertures 38 in the partition 36. The oil being at the desired level, the furnace is set in action. When the gaseous products produced in the still, reach a pressure sulficient to cause a satisfactory ow through the pipe 2 and jet apparatus 3to draw the liquid up through the pipe 11, the valves 13 is opened wide enough to cause a large quantity of oil to be drawn into the jets. The oil in the receptacle 8 is repeatedly circulated through the jet and by this treate5 4 and 13 are opened. At this time the valve action chamber 6 for the conversion of thev impacting masses. The products of impact pass through the pipe 7 and perforated head 9 into the oil in the .receptacle 8. Here the gaseous products give up heat 'to the-oil and. maintain the temperature thereof at the desired point. The temperature of the oil in the receptacle 8 is maintained at such a degree as will vaporize .any impurities therein,such as water and sulfur compounds. Such of the gaseous products issuing from the head 9 as are condensable at the temperature at which the oil in the receptacle 8 is maintained, will be condensed by'contact with saidl oil. The addition of condensates thus formed to the oil in the receptacle 8. causes a {iow through the openings 38 in the partition 36 into the chamber .37. The fresh oil .entering the chamber 37 is at a lower temperature thanl the oil on the opposite side of the parition 36. 'A heat transference. therefore takes place between-the oil on oppositesidesuolf the partition36. This heat transference, coupled with-the loss of heatby vaporization. keeps the temperatureof the oil in the receptacle 8 .below that of the gaseous prod.- ucts issuing from the head 9. By reason of chamber 37 is partially robbed of its lower are vaporizable, such as water and sulfur compounds, the vapor of which mingles with the gaseous products which collect over the surface of the oil in the receptacle 8 are removed. The mixture of the gaseous products and vaporized foreign material, passes up through the traps 30, 31 and 32, thence through the condenser 16, traps 39 and 40, condenser 17, pipe 50 and final condenser 18, wherein said mixture is acted upon by the successively decreased temperature 'of the successive zones .of' temperature formed by said traps and condensers. heat ifs progressively extracted trom the gases,`the temperature of the successive zones is automatlcally maintained on aprogressively decreasing scale. The condensates from the condensers 16 and 17 descend so as to ill the traps 30,31, 32, 39 and 40 to the level shown, which is controlled bIythe height of the stand pipes, as shown. hel pipe 42u en ters the trap 40 at a oint belovvth'e top of the stand pipes 41. hen the valfv'e 43 is opened to pass the condensates inthe trap 40 to the charhber 37 in the'v receptacle 8, the' level in the trap is brought below that of the top of the stand pipes 41, so that the condensates .in the trap 40 are not, passed to.

the trap v39. Conversely, when the' valve 43 is' closed or so regulated that thecondensates do not flow through the pipe 42 as rapidly as they are collected in the trap 40, the condensates in the .trap 40, or a portion thereof, pass to the trap 39. A pipe 45 allows the 'condensates in the trap 39 to pass to the trap 32. The flow of condensates through the pipe 45 is controlled by the valve 46. The condensates in the trap 32 may pass both .by the stand pipes 33 to the trap 31 and by the pi e 47 to' the 'chamber 37. The flow of con' ensates through the pipe 47 i`s controlled by the valve., 48.' The condensats from thel trap 31 to the trap 30 through tlie stand pipes '34. 'From the trap 30 the pipe Sconducts'the ondensates to the chamber'las shown. 'The mixune of gaseous prciiefs and vapors 'pass successively through-the con'dcrisat'es in the sever'a1-v traps, fand 'as the condensates are 'maintained at scs'sively decreased ternperatures, thosecis`titents of the gases and vapors will be vconden-sed which are cond'ensable at vthe tperattireA at which the l eonden's'ares in' the 'several usps arenaria tained. The'fenper'ature of the'c'onenser's 16, 17 and is-maintainedat a 'point which will condense the constituents of the gaseous products which form the desired products.

`It will seen-that by ogeningthe 'valve 43, such portion of the con esa'tes 'in the Itrap 40 'as itis desired to mix 'with the contents of the chamber 37 may be passed thereto.

'By opening the valve 46, condensates from the 'trap39 may be passed into the trap '32,"

'and

opening the valve 48, condensates from t e trap 32 may be passed to the chamberl 37. A final product is conducted through the pipe 44 to a run-down tank not shown. The condensates from the final condenser 18 collect in the chamber 51 in the base thereof and are drawn oil by a pipe 56. The pipe 56 is bent :upward 'so as to cause the level ofthe condensates'in the chamber 51 "to .correspond tothe level of the highest portion of the pipe, as shown. The temperature of the condenser`18 is maintained below the boiling point ofV Water and, consequently, the water vapor and volatilized sulfur-compounds carried over with the hydrocarbon 'aseous products\will be condensed and sett e in the trap 53,- and may be drawn.

oil' by the valve.54. The sight gage'55 indicrates the level of these impurities so that they may be `drawn off -beforeJ reaching too 'great a height 'in the trap 53. Any fixed or 'nonscondensed gases in the chamber 51 will pass oi through the pipe 57 to the con- 'denser 58. -Thecondensates from the condenser 58 m`ay be drained oil through the pipe 59. The c'ondensates drawn off by the pipe 56 form a' final product of lighter gravity than those drawn off through the pipe It Will be readily understood that the gravit of the final products may be varied by suitable regulation of the temperature used and treatment to which they are subjected. The several condensers and traps will bel maintained at'temperatures known to condense the desired products.

Tofacilit'ate the description, I will refer to the apparatus to the left of Fig. 1 to which the gaseous products from the still 1 are delivered, as the primary still, and the still 1 as the secondary still, since the oil is first treated to partial distillation in the chamber37 vof the receptacle Sand to a further distillation in the still 1. The pump 61 draws the oil from the chamber 37 vby the pipe 60 'and forces it underk pressure into the material undergoing distillation in the still 1,' by 'way of jet apparatus 64. The jets 66 deliver the oil with great velocity downvv'ardly into the passages between the .partitions of the rear header, as 'shown in Fig.' 3,

thereby producing a rapid circulation of theV This rapid ciroil Vuridergoing distillation. culation jprodi'ces an .even temperature throughout the oil and reduces the formation of hard carbon and free gas due to over-cracking.'

Thus' is produced 'a continuol'l'sl cycle of operation.

Those condensates which are delivered to the chamber 37 are fed to the secondary still along with `the preheated and predistilled fresh oil. The admixture of the condensates and preheated and pretreated oil with the material undergoing distillation in the secondary still, keeps said material in the still at a temperature which reduces to a large extent, the formation of hard carbon and free gas due to overcracking:, v at excessive temperatures. The injected material is also subjected to a cracking reaction by reason of the higher temperature of the material in the still whose boiling point has been raised, due to the loss of lower boiling oils therefrom in the process of distillation.

In Fig. 4 I have shown a modified form of apparatus. The secondary still shown at is a duplicate in structure and mode of operation of the secondary still 1, shown in 4ig. 1. The gaseous products from' the secondary still 80 are led by a pipe 81 to a primary still 82. Fig. 5 shows the primaryT still used in connection with this form of modified apparatus on an enlarged scale.

In Fig. 5 the connection between the primary still. pump and secondary still are in dicated diagrammatically. In this form of modified apparatus, the receptacle 83 is of any desired shape orlsize. to which heavy hvdrocarbon oil` indicated at 84. is fed through a suitable feed pine 85 which is controlled by a valve 86. This valve may be either manually or automatically controlled to maintain a certain predetermined quantity of heavy oil in the apparatus. The valve 86 herein shown is controlled by` a float 87 the limit of whose -action is controlled by an adjustable thumb screw seated in the top wall of the receptacle. The revoli 4le member of the valve 86 is connected to te float 87 by the bar 88. The oat'in its 'vertical movement controls the degree of oscillation of the valve 86 and brings the opening 89 in the latter into or out of register with the feed pipe 85 and the receptacle 83 for the purpose of controlling the flow of oi] to the receptacle 83. The bottom of the receptacle 83 is preferablv tapered toward a ycentral outlet 90, controlled by a gate valve or other closure means 91. through which the solid or other material which settles to the bottom of the receptacle may be drawn off from time to time. A suitable pedestal 92 is provided for supporting the receptacle 83 at a yconvenient height to permit the valve 91 tobe manipulated. In the lower portion of the wall of the receptacle. an outlet pipe 93 is provided through which outlet thecontents of the receptacle, after treatment therein. may be pumped or forced by the pump 94 into the material undergoing distillationin the secondary-still 80 through the pipe 95and jet apparatus 96 in the samemanner as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 3. It will thus be evident that the primary still 82 forms an intermediary between the source of simply and the secondary still 80. Vithin the apparatus the supply of heavy oil is purified, preheated and predistilled to a certain extent.

It also follows that the fresh material will serve to condense such portions of the gaseous products from the secondary still 80 which are injected into the fresh material as are condensable at the temperatureat which material in the receptacle 83 is maintained. These condensates, along with the predistilled and preheated fresh oil,l are then carried to the secondary still 80 and injected into the material 'undergoing distillation therein as described in connection with Fig. 1. A cracking action results between the material injected and the material in the secondary still, as described in connection with Fig. l.

The top wall of the receptacle 83 has a central opening with a .downwardly depending member 97, whichmember terminates in a vertical pipe 98, the lower end of which carries a flaring or bell-shaped member 99. This bell-shaped member extends to points adjacent the wall of a receptacle 83 and 'is there perforated with a series of holes 100. Surrounding the member 97 and concentric therewith, is a tubular bnie member 101 for'.the'purpose of producing circulation within the receptacle. Diametrically disposed in the top wall of the receptacle 83 are mountedvertical pipes 102, terminating at their lower portion and below the member 99 in elbows 103, the inner ends of the elbows being open and providing free entry for the fluid contained in the receptacle into the pipes 102. The upper ends of the pipes 102 are connected by regu- 100 lating valves 104 with chambered crossmem bers 105. The members 105 terminate radially of the receptacle 83 in jet nozzles 106, having a common axis through the diameter of the receptacle 83. A reaction 105 chamber .107. which is mounted upon the top wall of the receptacle 83 and forming a continuation of the member 97. is adapted to surround the jet nozzles 106. Entrant jet nozzles 108 form part of the cross-members 110 105 and terminate above the axis of the pipes 102. The dimensions of the jets shown in connection with Fig. 5, in practice, may conform to those shown in connection with Fig. 2. The entrant jets 108 are fed from 115 the manifold 109. which is adapted for connection to the still l80 by means of a pipe 81..

A regulating valve 110 controls the supply of gaseous products from the still 80. While onlyl two jets are shown in the present modification.' it will be understood that any number of jets, together with their accompanying pipes, may be employed vor the jets may play on a baille.

Mounted on the top wall of the receptacle 83 is a vapor dome 111, which is provided with an outlet pipe 112 to lead the gaseous products to a condenser orl other suitable apparatus for receiving and separating the products, 180

In carrying out thepresent process in connection with the modified form of apparatus shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the valve 110 is opened, permitting the gaseous .products under high pressure from the still 8.0 to pass through the manifold 109 into the jets or nozzles 108. The gaseous products from the still pass through the j'ets which impinge upon each other in the reaction chamber 107 The jets are so designed as to give the fluid issuing therefrom a, very high velocity -by expansion and the .kinetic energy imparte to the gaseousproducts is expended at the point of impact. The gaseous products from this step now pass downl the pipe 97 and bubble up through the body ofthe liquid 84 in' the receptacle 83. In this Way the heat brought over by the'stream o gaseous products from the still 80 and the heat caused by the impact of the iiuid jets serve to heat the body of liquid as)J preliminary step to its treatment in the still 80. By this means'the temperature of thecontacts of the receptacle .is 'kept well above the boiling point of water, andeth'e water contained in the heavy oiljis thereby entrained as vapor by the gaseous products and carried out through the vapor dome 111, together with the vaporized sulfurous compounds. By this action the heavy oil is dehydrated and desulfurizedprior to its treatment in the still 80, and the lighter hydrocarbons exist-1 ing in the heavy oil are Jractionally removed be'ore they enter the still 80. It may also be possible that some additional actionvmay take place'between the freely ionized gaseous products from the jets and the' heavy material. in the receptacle. 5

The use ofthe baie member 101 serves to set up convection currents which materially aid in the heating of the material inthe re'- ceptacle and' the separation of the impuri-l ties and foreign substances from theoil before treatment'in the'still. The upwardlyl moving material carries the gaseous v.products in bubbles which vare 'released 'at the surface of the liquid and' permits the latter to return through-- the channel between the pipe 98 and the member 101. l The solid material which has been separatedAt out settl'es to the bottom of the receptacle 83- and is drawn off periodically by means lof avalve 91. While the reaction just discussed' may be carried out without thep'resence of liquid material in the zone of impact, it rhas'b'een found advantageous to-i'njec't into 'the reaction chamber and; in the field' ofthe impinging masses, a certain portionof heavy oil. By suitable manipulation of the valves 104, the nozzles 106 and 108 .act as injectors which serve to lift theliquid vthrough the pipes 102, mix it with the incoming jets of hot gaseous products from the still 80, and

project the mixture at. highvel'ocity into claims.

' wenn? the reaction chamberV 107 where it is sub jected to heat and treatment b impact, as described in connectionjwith ign 1.

In operation it is desirable to regulate the valves 104 so as to' regulate the How of il intothe jets in such a manner that in the preliminary steps to operation,`a suilicient flow of oil may be passed through the jets to quickly heat up the oil in 'the receptacle to the desired point. The flow of oil is then diminished to Such a point that the gaseous roducts may attain a high velocity, together with the oil in a very inely divided state. T hereafter both are subjected to impact with its consequent reaction.

In carrying out my process, the water vapor present may enterinto the action taking. place in the reaction chamber, a hydrogenating effect taking place. If desired, water could be added to the heavy oil in the receptacle, or directly to the jets, in order to increase a hydrogenating effect. Hydrogen gas could also be admitted in the same duction of lighter hydrocarbons, it is of lcourse to. be understood that my process is equally applicable to chemicals other than hydrocarbons. It is also to be understood thatv other conditions and' reactions than those described may be present inthe process and come within the scope of the appended What I claim is:

1. The process of conversion of hydrocarbon oils which consists in imparting suiiicien-t kinetic energy to a mass of 'the same to cause dissociation by concussive impact, subjectingsaid mass to Asuch impact and separating out the' resultantproducts.

2'. The process of conversion of hydrocarbon oils which consists in heating a mass of the same, imparting sufficient kinetic energy -to 'said mass to cause dissociation by concussiv'e impact, subjecting said mass to such impact and separating out the resultant products.

3. The process of conversion of hydrocarbon oils-which consists in: imparting suiicient kinetic 'energy vto a "mass o the 'same by pressure to -caus'e dissociation by concussive impact, -subjecting said mass to such:

impact and separating out the 'remuant`- 5. The process of conversion of hydrocarv bon oils which consists in transforming a mass' ot the same into a gaseous mass under pressure by the addition of heat, imparting sufficient. kinetic energy tothe gaseous mass by expansion to cause 'dissociation by concussive impact, subjecting said expanded and energized gaseous mass to such impact and separating out' the resultant products.

6, The process of conversion ot' hydrocarbon oils which consists in transforming a mass of the same intov a gaseous mass by distillation under pressure, imparting suflicient kinetic energy to the gaseous mass by expansion to cause dissociation-by concussive impact, subjecting said expanded and energized gaseous mass to such impact and separating out the resultant products.

T. The process of conversion ot hydrocarbon oils which consists in imparting sut- 7icient kinetic energy to a mass of the same to cause vdissociation by concussive impact, subjecting said energized mass to such impact by mutual impingement of jets ot the same, and separating out the resultant products.

8. The step in the conversion of hydrocarbon oils Which consists in dissociating the molecules thereof byoncussive impact.

9. The steps in the conversion ot hydrocarbon oils which consist in the dissociation ot the molecules thereof by concussiif'e impact with consequent atomic rearrangement and separating out the resultant products.

10. The process of conversion oi heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter oils which consists. in the conversion ot heavy oilvto a gaseous mass .under pressure by the addition ot heat, imparting kinetic energy thereto by expansion, subjecting thc energized and expanded gaseous mass to impact, bringing the products of impact into intimate contact with heavy oil, permitting heat equalization 'to take place between said products and heavy oil with a consequent condensation ol that portion o the products condensable at the equalization temperature, removing the resultant gaseous products and introducing the resultant liquid products into the material undergoing treatment with heat and pressure. t

11. The process ot conversion ot' heavy hydrocarbon oils to lighter oils, the steps of conversion of heavy oil into a gaseous mass under pressure by the addition of heat, imparting kinetic energy thereto by expansion, subjecting the energized and expanded gaseous mass to impact, bringing the products of impact into intimate contact with .heavy oil, permitting heat equalization to take place between said products and heavy oil with a consequent condensation of that portion of the products condensable at the equalization temperature, removing the gaseous products, and introducing the resultant liquid products into the material undergoing the first step whereby the said liquid products are subjected to a heat reaction between themselves and the said materials undergoing the lirst step.

12. 1n a process for conversion of heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter oils, the steps of separating by heat a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil into relatively heavier hydrocarbons in the form of liquid and lighter hydrocarbons in the form of a gaseous mass, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous mass by expansion, converting said kinetic energy into heat by impact, utilizing the heat of the resultant products to preheat a separate mass of hydrocarbons, and introducing said separate preheated mass of hydrocarbons into the heavier mass of the hydrocarbon oils. 13. In a process for conversion et heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter oils, the steps of. separating by heat a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil into relatively heavier hydrocarbons in the form of a liquid and lighter c hydrocarbons in the form of a gaseous mass, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous mass by expansion, converting the kinetic energy into heat by impact, utilizing the heat of the resultant products to preheat a separate mass of hydrocarbons by subjecting them to intimate contact with said gaseous mass, and introducing said separate mass of hydrocarbons into the mass of heavier hydrocarbon oils.

A14C. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbons to lighter hydrocarbons which consists in converting a portion of the heavy hydrocarbons into a gaseous mass by the addition of heat, imparting kineticy energy to the gaseous mass by expansion, imparting kinetic energy to heavy hydrocarbons by subjecting them to the inllucnce ot the velocity of the energized gaseous mass, subjecting the energized gaseous mass and heavy hydrocarbons to impact and separating the resultant products.

15. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon Voilsl into lighter hydrocarbons 'which consists in converting a portion of heavy hydrocarbon oil into a gaseous mass by the addition of heat, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous mass by expansion, imparting kinetic energy to a mass of heavy oil by subjecting it to the influence of the velocity of the energized gaseous mass, subjecting the energized gaseous mass and said mass of heavy oil to impact, bringing the products' of impact into intimate contact with heavy oil, subjecting the. heavy oil and products of impact to said steps of treatment, and separating out the resultant products.

16. The process of converting heavy drocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon -o1ls which consists in im arting suiiicient kinetic energy to a mass o heavy hydrocarbon oil tocause dissociation thereof by concussive impact, subjecting said mass of heavy hydrocarbon 011 to such impact and separating out the resultant products.

17. The' process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into li which consists in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oils under pressure, imparting suiiicient-kinetic energy to the gaseous prod,- ucts of distillation by expansion to cause dissociationv thereof by concussive impact, subjecting said energized gaseous products to such im act and separating out the resultant pro ucts.

18. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into which consists in subjecting a mass of heavy hydrocarbon sure suicientto convert a portion of said heavy oil into gaseous products and crack a portion o said gaseous products, and thereafter su jecting said gaseous products 'to concssive impact and'v separating out the resultant products.

' 19. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils l which consists in converting a mass of h eavy lng temperature and pressure thereby transhydrocarbon oil into a gaseous mass by distillation, mixing a mass of hydrocarbon oil in the li uid state with the gaseous products of distil ation and subjecting the mixture of hydrocarbon gaseous products and liquid to'impact and separatingA out the resultant Y products.

20. The.process of conversion of hydrocarbon oils which consists in converting a mass ofheavy hydrocarbon oil into a aseous mass under pressure bythe add1tion of heat, imparting kinetic energy to and cooling vtheV gaseous mass` by expansion thereof, heating'the energized and cooled gaseous mass by impact, cooling the products of impact by contact with a cooler mass of oil and'separating out the resultant prod- 2L The process of conversion of hydrocarbon oils which consists in converting a 011 into a gaseous mass f' mass of hydrocarbon under pressure bythe addition of heat, imparting kinetic energy to and cooling the gaseous mass by expansion thereof,heating the energized and cooled gaseous mass by impact, coolingfthe products of impact by contact with a cooler mass of oil, separating out the resultant products and feeding the remaining liquid products to the hydrocarbon oil undergoing conversion into a gaseous mass by heat...

22. The process of conversion'of heavy hydrocarbona mass of the same to relatively high ghter hydrocarbon oils lighter hydrocarbon oils oil to a temperature and presoils which consists in subjectforming a portion of the same into a gaseous mass, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous mass by expansion, converting the kineticener y into heat by impact, utilizing the heat 0% the gaseous mass to preheat and predistil a separate mass of the heavier hydrocarbons, introducing the preheated and predistilled separate mass into the mass of hydrocarbons under treatment of relatively high temperature' and pressure.

23.' The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils which consists in distilling a mass of heavy .hydrocarbon oil under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting the energized gaseous products of distillation 'to impact, fractionall'y separating the gaseous products of impact by condensation in a series of successive zones of lower tempera- -ture'and drawing'off the desired products of condensation.

24. The process of converting -heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils Which'consists in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oils under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansiomsubjec'ting the en- 'ture, said zones .being Acomposed in part-of the condensates of said gaseous products of `impact, and drawing ofi the desired products of condensation.

25. VThe process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils which 4consist in distilling heavy hydrocar-` bon oils under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting" the energized gaseous products ot' distillation to impact, fractionally separating the hydrocarbon gaseous products of impact by condensation, returning to the step of distillation those "hydrocarbon condensates which it is desirable to redistill, and drawing off the desired products of condensation. f y

26.The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils which consists in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil under pressure, imparting Akinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting the energized gaseous lproducts of 'distillation to impact, fractionally separating the hydrocarbon gaseous products of impact by condensation,. mixing with those condensates which it is desirable to redistil a mass of fresh heavy hydrocarbon oil and feeding the mixture of condensates and fresh heavy hydrocarbon oil into the material undergoing distillation under pressure, and drawing off the condensates that are desirable as a final product.

27. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into the lighter hydrocarbon oils which consists in distilling amass of heavy hydrocarbon oil under pressure, im- 'parting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting the energized gaseous products of distillation to impact, subjecting the products of impact to a heat interchange with a mass of hydrocarbon oil at a relatively lower temperature, subjecting the gaseous products of said heat interchange to fractional condensation and separating out the desired products. n 28. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils which consists in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oils under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting` the energized gaseous productsof distillation to impact, subjecting the gaseous products of impact to a heat interchange with hydrocarbon oil at a relatively lower temperature, by bringing said gaseous products of impact into intimate contact with said hydrocarbon oil at a relatively lower temperature, subjecting the gaseous products of said heat interchange to fractional condensation and separating out the desired products.

29. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils which consists in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting the energized gaseous products of distillation to impact, progressively separating the gaseous products of impact by condensation in a series of' zones of progressively lower temperature, progressively subjecting the freshly formed gaseous products of impact to a heat interchange with the condensates of a portion of said zones by intimate contact with said condensates, returning those portions of the resultant mixed condensates which it is desirable to redistil to the material undergoing distillation under pressure and drawing off the condensates which are desirable as a iinal product.

' 30. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils which consists in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting the energized gaseous products of distillation to impact, progressively separating the gaseous products of impact by condensation in a series of zones of successively lower teinperature, subjecting a portion of the condensates to a heat interchange with the freshly formed gaseous products of impact by intimate contact withsaid condensates and returning lthe resultant interinixed conden- Sates together with a fresh supply of heavy oil to the material undergoing distillation under pressure, and drawing off such condensates which are desirable as a final product.

whose temperature is thus raised into the material undergoing distillation under pressure and drawing o such condensates as are desirable as a final product.

32. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils, which consists in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting the energized gaseous products to impact, separating the gaseous products of impact by condensation in a series of zones of successively lower temperature, mixing a portion of the condensates with a fresh mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil, subjecting the mixture thus formed to a heat interchange with a condensate of relatively-higher temperature and feeding the vmixture of fresh heavy oil and condensates whose heat is thus raised into the material undergoing distillation under pressure and drawing olf those condensates which are desirable as a final product.

33. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils, which consists iii distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of distillation by expansion, subjecting the energized gaseous products of distillation to impact, separating the gaseous products of impact by condensation in a series of zones of successively lower temperature and maintaining said zones at the desired temperature by a heat interchange between said gaseous products of impact and a fluid in its liquid and gaseous state.

34. The process of converting heavy hydrocarbon oils into lighter hydrocarbon oils which consists in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oil under pressure, imparting kinetic energy to the gaseous products of disl pact by 4condensation in eous lproducts of impact and a fluid in. its

tllation by expansion, subjecting the energized gaseous products of distillation to impact, `separating the gaseous products of ima series of zones of successively lower temperature, and maintaining said zones at the desired temperature by a` heat interchange between the said gasliqui state at a relatively low temperature,

said-fluid in `a liquid state at a 'relatively higher temperature and said fluid in a gascous state at `a yet relatively higher temrature.

'35. The process .of converting heavy hyldrocarbon oils into lighter oils which conslsts in distilling a mass of heavy hydrocarbon oily under'pressure, imparting kinetic ener to the gaseous products of distillation y expans1on,'subjecting the energized gaseous products of dlstillation to impact, bringing the products of impact into intimate contact with amass oi cooler oil, mixing said oil and such condensates as are formed on contact with the cooler oil with a mass of fresh oil, and :feeding the mixture of oil, condensates and fresh oil thus formed into the material undergoing distillation'ungaseous products thus formed, mixing with the fresh oil a portion of the condensates thus formed, together with the o il which has been subjected to intimate contact with the products of impact' and eondensates formed on contact of the products of impact with'said cooler oil, eedin 'the mixture of oil and condensates thus ormed the 4material undergoing Apasting t .tion between a plurality the gaseous products of distillation,

www

distillation under pressure, and drawing oft' such of' the condensates as are desirable as a final product.

37. The process of conversion of hydrocarbon oil which consists in distilling a mass of hyldrocarbon oil under pressure, im-

e gaseous products of distillaof jets of said scous products and subsequently separat- .ing the resultant products.

38. In' a process for the conversion of vhydrocarbon oils by distillation, the step of removing impurities therefrom prior to distillation which consists in heating a separate mass .of eil by intimate'contact with the gaseous products of distillation and intermixing the heated liquids thus formed with resh oil and removing the impurities separated rom said fresh oil by vaporization.

'39.3 In a process for the conversion of hydrocarbon oils by`distillation, the step of removing impuriticstherefrom prior to distillation which consists in heating a separate mass of eil by intimate contact with the gaseous products of distillation, subjecting fresh oil to a heat interchange withthe heated liquid products formed on contact r of the gaseous products of distillation with said oil and removing the impurities separated from saidafresh oil by vaporization.

40. In a process for the conversion of hy- -drocarbon oils by distillation, the step of removing impurities therefrom prior to distillation which consists in heating' a separatemass of oil by intimate contact with subjecting fresh oil to a heat' interchange with the heated liquid products formed on contact of the gaseous products of distillation with said separate mass of oil, 'both'by conduction between separate bodies of said fresh oil and said liquid products, and intermixing the-heatedliquid products with said fresh oil frdm said freshoil byvaporization.

In testimony whereof; I have may hand.

vieron EMERSON.

hereunto' set:

and removing theimpurities. separated 

